Bible Reading Plans that Fit Your Busy Life

The Light of the World

They can make the darkest night beautiful.

They can be one color or many. Twinkle or stare down the dark. They wrap around trees and homes, and bring cheer to a heart grieving–for a moment at least. They are Christmas lights.

Our world celebrates Christmas in a lot of crazy ways that can take away our focus on Jesus. And some Christmas light displays surely don’t represent a holy night, but there is something about the lights. It’s more than how they turn a home into a gingerbread house or palm trees into fountains of light. How the candles in windows give houses that welcoming appeal or how my banisters glisten with garland lit.

Light does more than please my eyes and light up the dark. Light reaches down into my soul. And if a few bulbs on a simple strand of Christmas lights can do that, how much more can the One who is called the Light of the World affect us?

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:4,5).

What does it mean for the “life” in Jesus to be the “light” of all mankind? What does is mean that the darkness could not overcome the “light?”

I’m so glad you asked. 🙂

The Greek word for “light” is Photizo. It means to enlighten, shine light upon, to illuminate, make one see or understand. It is contrasted to another Greek word that also means light, Phengos, but this word means luminaries like the moon or sun. So, the light of Jesus is a spiritual light that brings revelation, clarity, and understanding.

The NIV translates verse five that “the darkness has not overcome” the light. But I want to show you a secret. Peak under our English with me. The Greek word translated here has a few different meanings: to take–to apprehend, to find, comprehend, understand.

I think that if John wrote in our day using modern colloquialisms, he would’ve penned: The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness hasn’t gotten it. It can’t understand the light of understanding. The darkness doesn’t “get” God and His goodness, kindness, love, mercy, and grace in Jesus.

Do you have someone in your life who doesn’t “get” your faith?

I’m hoping we all have someone like that because if we don’t, we’re not going out into the dark enough. Christmas lights don’t shine well during the day. They shine in the darkness.

“Dear Light of the World, open the hearts and minds of our loved ones and friends who don’t get it. Shine your light of understanding on them! And help us shine brightly in dark places. By the grace of God and the Presence of Holy Spirit, help those in darkness take a hold of you for themselves. May your light in us stir their hearts. I pray they’ll want the light. We love you. Amen.”

Kind words. I humbly say, thank you.

"You have always conveyed God’s word in a way that touches my heart and has been known to even penetrate my head! I love you Andy…keep up the good work! "

- Mary Beth Doane, Beverly, MA

Thank you so much for your inspiration, stories, and your amazing gift to teach/preach. We have enjoyed meeting you! ~ Julie and Jenna (Mom and daughter attending women's retreat in Portland, Maine.)

"I have the privilege of calling Andy a close and dear friend. We met several years ago and discovered we were both writers. From that point on our hearts have been united in God. Andy is not just a skilled writer but a woman after God’s heart and that’s what makes both her writing and speaking effective and powerful!"

- Sandra Chambers, Wilmington, NC

"My dear friend, as always, your insightfullness astounds me. Thank you for all you give us to contemplate, it is appreciated. Yours in Christ, J"

- J. Miller, Wilmington, NC

"Andy Lee's words will affect you ... but her heart will stay with you for a long, long time."

Andy – your writing is so beautiful! What a stunning gift you have and thank you so much for sharing it with us. You truly inspire me and seem to write what I need in the moment.

- Esther

I have been following you since the night you came and spoke at Brandon Christian Writers. We talked about growing up as a military brats, the similar places we had lived, etc. I don’t comment often, but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your writing and being with you on our faith journeys.

So often, I feel like you write just what God wants me to hear or study and pray about. I want to confirm for you that your writing does make a difference. Thanks!

- Marsha Stephenson

"My sister and I attended the conference at MAG in Ohio. It was a blessing to us both, and Tina is totally enjoying the gift Bible that she won. May God bless you."